Dana Point, Ca. (April 13, 2023): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Saturday, April 15, in the city of Dana Point looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.

With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers.  Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants. 

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers:

•           Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots

•           Use your signal when changing lanes

•           Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance

•           When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning

Motorcyclist:

•           Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing

•           Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you

•           Keep your lights on at all times, even during the day

•           Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles

•           Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic, or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes

All motorcycle riders, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com or by calling 1-877 RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Dana Point, Ca. (April 8, 2023): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.

On Monday, Apr. 10, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.

Distracted driving comes in many forms, but cell phones remain the top distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,450 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted drivers. A 2018 observational survey by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) found nearly 5 percent of California drivers were using their phone illegally behind the wheel, either by talking on or using their phone without a hands-free device.

In this day and age, it is natural instinct to answer the phone or read a text, but the focus for drivers should be on the road. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, or reaching for an object on the floor.

If you have an important phone call or need to reprogram your navigation system, pull over to a safe parking place. To resist the urge of using your phone, either silence it or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Mission Viejo, Ca. (Mar. 30, 2023): Distracted driving is a dangerous and illegal behavior the Sheriff’s Department is working to deter drivers from doing.

On Saturday, Apr. 1, deputies will focus their efforts on drivers that are talking, texting, using an app or any other action on their phone that is not hands-free and violates California’s cell phone law. A violation is subject to a $162 fine for the first offense, and at least $285 for a second offense.

Distracted driving comes in many forms, but cell phones remain the top distraction. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), 3,450 people were killed in 2016 due to distracted drivers. A 2018 observational survey by Fresno State and the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) found nearly 5 percent of California drivers were using their phone illegally behind the wheel, either by talking on or using their phone without a hands-free device.

In this day and age, it is natural instinct to answer the phone or read a text, but the focus for drivers should be on the road. Other distractions include eating, grooming, talking to passengers, using GPS, adjusting the radio, taking off a jacket, or reaching for an object on the floor.

If you have an important phone call or need to reprogram your navigation system, pull over to a safe parking place. To resist the urge of using your phone, either silence it or put it somewhere you can’t reach.

Funding for this distracted driving enforcement operation is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Laguna Niguel, Ca. (Apr. 5, 2023): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, Apr. 7, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Laguna Niguel.  

DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with deputies checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

In 2019, 1,066 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads.

The Sheriff’s Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:

• Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
• See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
• Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who are drinking and how they are getting home.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Sheriff’s Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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San Clemente, Ca. (Mar. 29, 2023): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, Mar. 31, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of San Clemente.  

DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with deputies checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

In 2019, 1,066 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads.

The Sheriff’s Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:

• Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
• See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
• Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who are drinking and how they are getting home.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Sheriff’s Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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LAGUNA NIGUEL, Ca. (March 25, 2023): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will have extra deputies out on patrol Monday, March 27, in the city of Laguna Niguel looking for violations made by drivers and motorcyclists that increase the risk of crashes.

With nearly 900,000 registered motorcycles in the state, many road users are going places without the same protections as drivers.  Motorcycle riders are 28 times more likely to die in a crash than vehicle occupants. 

To help protect you and your family, keep the following tips in mind while driving or riding:

Drivers:

•           Always check twice for motorcycles in your mirrors and blind spots

•           Use your signal when changing lanes

•           Never follow a motorcycle too closely. Always keep a safe distance

•           When at an intersection, allow enough space before turning

Motorcyclist:

•           Always wear a DOT compliant helmet and protective gear like gloves and leather clothing

•           Consider adding reflective tape to your clothing to make it easier for other drivers to see you

•           Keep your lights on at all times, even during the day

•           Don’t assume drivers see you: signal well in advance before changing lanes and watch for turning vehicles

•           Although lane splitting is legal, the practice is not encouraged at high speeds in free-flowing traffic, or between large vehicles like big rigs and motor homes

All motorcycle riders, regardless of skill level, are encouraged to enroll in the California Motorcyclist Safety Program. Information and training locations are available at http://www.californiamotorcyclist.com or by calling 1-877 RIDE-411 (1-877-743-3411).

Funding for motorcycle safety enforcement operations are provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Mission Viejo, Ca. (Mar. 22, 2022) – At 4:44 p.m. on Mar. 21, 2023, Orange County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the 27000 block of Ruisenor in the city of Mission Viejo due to a shooting. Upon arrival, deputies detained a suspect, evacuated the house, and discovered a 22-year-old man who sustained a gunshot wound. The victim was identified as Noah Christian Aguilar from Mission Viejo. Aguilar was pronounced deceased by the Orange County Fire Authority at the scene. The suspect and victim were roommates.

This incident is being investigated by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Detail. The suspect, Michael Guy Levy, 22, of Mission Viejo, was arrested and booked into Orange County Jail on suspicion of homicide. The firearm believed to be the weapon used was collected at the scene.

If anyone has any specific details, they are asked to contact the Orange County Sheriff’s Department at 714-647-7000. Anonymous information may be provided through Orange County Crime Stoppers at 1-855-TIP-OCCS.

LAKE FOREST, Ca. (Mar. 15, 2023): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, Mar. 17, from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. at an undisclosed location in the city of Lake Forest.  

DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests. Deputies will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, with deputies checking drivers for proper licensing.

The Sheriff’s Department reminds drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.” If you take prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label, you might be impaired enough to get a DUI. Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

In 2019, 1,066 people were killed in alcohol-involved crashes on California roads.

The Sheriff’s Department offers these reminders to ensure you have a safe night of fun that doesn’t involve a DUI:

• Always use a designated sober driver – a friend who is not drinking, ride-share, cab or public transportation – to get home.
• See someone who is clearly impaired try and drive? Take the keys and help them make other arrangements to find a sober way home.
• Report drunk drivers – Call 911.
• Hosting a party? Offer nonalcoholic drinks. Monitor who are drinking and how they are getting home.

Getting home safely is cheap, but getting a DUI is not. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with DUI can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to be upwards of $13,500. This includes fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspension and other expenses, not to mention possible jail time.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Sheriff’s Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

SANTA ANA, Ca. (March 9, 2023): Captain AJ Patella has been selected as the new North Patrol Bureau Captain.

The North Patrol Bureau Captain serves as the Chief of Police Services for the city of Villa Park and the county’s north unincorporated areas. Captain Patella also will manage public safety services for major county events, including the Orange County Fair, and various festivals and events at Orange County parks.

“North Patrol offers unique opportunities in law enforcement, providing for the safety of more than 70,000 residents who call the area home, and also protecting those who visit and enjoy many major events in Orange County throughout the year,” Captain Patella said. “Having previously served the North Patrol communities, I am honored to be selected and look forward to contributing to the future successes of the bureau.”

Captain Patella joined the Sheriff’s Department in 1999 as a Sheriff’s Special Officer, working at the James A. Musick Facility. In 2003, he became a deputy sheriff, serving in Custody Operations then Patrol Operations. He worked in North Patrol, where he served as a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE), Field Training Officer and as the Administrative Deputy, coordinating public safety services for various special events.

He was promoted to sergeant and worked a variety of assignments, including Custody Operations and the Professional Services Command, where he was assigned to Internal Affairs then the Carry Concealed Weapon (CCW) Unit.

Captain Patella promoted to Lieutenant in 2020 and was assigned to the Central Jails Division as the Watch Commander before serving as the Department Commander, managing day-to-day patrol operations for the department. Most recently, he served as Captain of the Behavioral Health Bureau, overseeing a multi-disciplinary team committed to assisting the homeless population and those with mental health needs through a robust program that includes proactive engagement and resource distribution.

In addition, Captain Patella has extensive specialized law enforcement training in Critical Incident Response, Mobile Field Force, Incident Command Systems and Special Event Management and Operations. He will begin his new assignment Friday, March 10.

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SANTA ANA, Ca. (March 3, 2023): The Orange County Sheriff’s Department on Wednesday, Feb. 22, promoted 18 personnel in a ceremony held at the Orange County Sheriff’s Regional Training Academy, including a new Commander.

Commander Kirsten Monteleone will be assigned to Southeast Operations, overseeing the cities of Lake Forest, Mission Viejo, Rancho Santa Margarita, and the county’s south unincorporated areas. She also will lead the School Mobile Assessment and Resource Team (SMART), Field Training Bureau, the South Directed Enforcement Team and General Crimes Investigations.

She assumed her new role Feb. 24.

“Commander Monteleone’s work ethic and dedication to public service is reflected in the way she leads,” said Don Barnes, Orange County Sheriff-Coroner. “Those attributes combined with her operational experience and skill set will serve the communities of Southeast Orange County very well.”

Commander Monteleone joined the department in 1999 and first served in Custody Operations then Patrol Operations, working in the cities of Laguna Niguel and Dana Point. Other assignments in her tenure include the Field Training Bureau and SAFE (Strategy. Accountability. Focus. Evaluation.). Upon promoting to Lieutenant in 2019, she was assigned to the Theo Lacy Jail as the Watch Commander. 

For the last four years, Commander Monteleone served as the Chief of Police Services for the city of Dana Point, responsible for providing public safety services to more than 34,000 residents.

Commander Monteleone has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and a bachelor’s degree in German from California State University, Fullerton and a master’s degree in Emergency Services Administration from California State University, Long Beach.

Four investigators, eight sergeants and five lieutenants also were promoted and began their new assignments on Feb. 24.

“Each promotee serves as a leader in this organization and I look forward to the positive impacts they will have on the community,” Sheriff Barnes said.  

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